Journal stop mechanism



Dec. 5, 1961 a. H. SULLIVAN, JR 3,011,335

JOURNAL STOP MECHANISM Filed March 17, 1961 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR. 052705 SULLIVAA/JK BY m Dec. 5, 1961 B. H. SULLIVAN, JR 3,011,836

JOURNAL STOP MECHANISM Filed March 17, 1961 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR. 6057705 154 Salt/I01 TE Dec. 5, .1961 B. H. SULLIVAN, JR 3,011,836

JOURNAL STOP MECHANISM Filed March 17, 1961 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR. 604F770) H 50LL/K44/ Je.

United States Patent Oflice Bfii L836 Patented Dec. 5, 15 61 3,011,836 JGURNAL STGP MECHANISM Boeiius H. Sullivan, Jr., Winnetka, 111., assignor to Nafional Lead Company, New York, N.Y., a corporation of New Jersey Filed Mar. 17, 1961, Ser. No. 96,499 1%) Claims. (Cl. 368-38) The present invention relates to a new and novel journal stop mechanism and more particularly to mechanism for limiting the lateral movement of an axle within a journal box. The present invention is especially adapted for use with railroad cars, wherein the mounting of the axle within the journal boxes thereof results in considerable relative lateral movement between the axle and the journal box.

This is a well-recognized problem in the art, and many devices have been developed for limiting movement of the axle with respect to the journal box since excessive relative movement can result in what is commonly referred to as a hot box which, of course, is a very hazardous situation.

A first problem encountered with excessive lateral movement of the axle is the fact that the dust guard seal in the unit surrounding the axle adjacent the journal box may be damaged resulting in a considerable shortening of the effective service obtained therewith.

Journal stop mechanisms commonly used in the prior art have generally employed a unitary stop block mounted upon opposite side walls of the journal box, these stop blocks engaging the axle journal upon excessive lateral movements of the axle from side to side. Such unitary stop blocks have posed a number of problems in the art, and it is a particular object of the present invention to overcome the problems as encountered in these arrangements, as well as others commonly in use.

One 01' the problems involved when unitary stop blocks are employed is the fact that some means must be provided for providing adequate lubrication of the brass which rests upon the top of the axle journal from the lubricating waste material normally disposed at the bottom portion of the journal box. To accomplish this, prior art structures have generally employed slots or grooves formed in the stop blocks to provide such lubrication.

in addition, when unitary stop blocks are employed at each side of the journal box, it is necessary to remove the entire stop bl ck when only one portion thereof may be Worn. This obviously is undesirable, since it may occur that only a small portion of the stop block may be excessively worn, and yet the entire stop block must be replaced under such conditions.

An additional problem encountered with all the prior art arrangements is the fact that the stop blocks are relatively difficult to remove, the means for securing the stop blocks not being readily accessible within the journal box, or else requiring fastening means extending through the walls of the journal box which is obviously undesirable.

The present invention employs an arrangement wherein the stop blocks at each side of the journal box comprise at least a pair of separate spaced blocks. These blocks are spaced a substantial distance from one another and thereby are adapted to provide adequate bearing surfaces at spaced points along the axle journal, and the spaced relationship of the blocks eliminates the necessity of providing any sort of special lubricating grooves or slots in the bearing surfaces of the blocks. Additionally, by providing a pair of stop blocks at each side of the journal box, it is apparent that it" only one of the blocks should be worn, the single block can be removed and replaced While retaining the other stop block in operative position. This, of course, eliminates the necessity of completely replacing the stop block means at each side of the journal box whenever a small portion is worn.

The present invention also employs a unique locking means which permits a very simple and effective assembly and disassembly of the stop blocks with respect to the associated supporting bracket which is mounted on one wall of the journal box. This locking means is so constructed as to permit rapid looking or unlocking and additionally, the locking means is readily accessible through an open end portion of the journal box when it is desired to disassemble the journal stop mechanism.

A further feature of the invention is the provision of a support bracket which provides a very firm and sturdy support for the stop blocks such that they are enabled to readily withstand the normal loads imposed thereon when in use and at the same time permits very simple and rapid disassembly of the stop blocks with respect to the support bracket.

An object of the present invention is the provision of a new and novel journal stop mechanism which requires no separate lubricating means and wherein the removal and replacement of worn members as well as the initial installation of the apparatus is facilitated.

Another object is to provide journal stop mechanism incorporating means for locking the stop blocks in place such that the stop blocks can be removed in a quick and efiicient manner when desired, the locking means being readily accessible from the exterior of an associated journal box.

A further object of the invention is the provision of journal stop mechanism incorporating a support bracket which provides a firm support for the stop blocks and at the same time enables ready assembly and disassembly of the stop blocks with respect to the support bracket.

A still further object of the invention is to provide journal stop mechanism which is quite simple and inexpensive in construction and yet which is sturdy and reliable in operation.

Other objects and many attendant advantages of the present invention will become more apparent when considered in connection with the specification and accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a longitudinal section through a journal box illustrating one embodiment of the novel journal stop mechanism of the present invention mounted therein;

FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along line 22 of FIG. 1 looking in the direction of the arrows;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a portion of the structure shown in FIG. 2 illustrating the manner of mounting the support bracket on the journal box wall;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged top view of the journal stop mechanism shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3;

FIG. 5 is a front view of the mechanism shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. '6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 66 of FIG. 5 looking in the direction of the arrows;

FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along line 7--7 of FIG. 4 looking in the direction of the arrows;

FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the mechanism shown in FIGS. 4-7;

FIG. 9 is a longitudinal section through the apparatus shown in FIG. 10, and taken along line 99 looking in the direction of the arrows;

FIG. 10 is a front view of a modified form of journal stop mechanism according to the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a side view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a top view of still another modified form of the invention;

FIG. '13 is a front view of the apparatus shown in F116. 12;

FIG. 14 is a side view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 13; and

' FIG, 15 is a perspective view of the support bracket illustrated in FIGS. 12, 13 and 14.

Referring now to the drawings wherein like reference characters designate corresponding parts throughout the several views, there is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 a railroad journal box of relatively conventional construction which is supported at the end of a railroad truck frame member 21. The journal box may be formed as a single casting and includes two parallel side walls 22 and 23 which are normally disposed in a vertical position, and an access opening 24 is provided at one end portion thereof, the opening being closed by a cover member 25 which is hinged to the upper wall of the journal box. A circular opening 26 is provided at the opposite end of the journal box, this opening being adapted to receive the journal portions 27 of axle 28.

The journal box is supported on the axle journal 27 by a bearing structure indicated generally by reference numeral 39, this bearing structure including conventional arcuately shaped brass 31 which rests on the upper peripheral portion of the axle journal 27. It will be readily understood that the bearing structure 39 supports the journal box 26 on the journal portion of the axle, and that the journal box through the intermediary of the truck frame member 21 supports the weight of the railroad car.

The journal portion 27 of the axle freely rotates with respect to the under surface of the brass during operation, and in order to lubricate the axle journal such that it will freely rotate with respect to the brass, the lower portion of the journal box is stuffed with a lubricant impregnated material commonly termed fwaste indicated by reference numeral 35 in FIG. 2. a A conventional journal lubricator pad may also be utilized as the lubricating medium for the axle. As the journal rotates, the under surface of the journal will engage the waste or lubricator pad and pick up lubricating material thereby keeping the periphery of the axle journal coated with lubricant during operation.

In order to prevent the bearing structure 30 from shifting within the journal box, conventional positioning lugs 36 are formed integrally with the top central portion of each side wall 22 and 23 of the journal box. The bearing structure 30 is provided with grooves in a well-known manner which slidingly receive the lugs 36 thereby preventing shifting of the bearing structure longitudinally with respect to the journal box.

The journal stop structures are indicated generally by reference numerals 40 in FIG. 2, it being noted that each journal stop mechanism is mounted on the side wall of the journal box with the stop blocks 41 thereof projecting outwardly of the support bracket 42 of the mechanisms,

the outer faces of the stop blocks being adapted to en-.

gage the adjacent peripheral portions of the axle journal to limit lateral movement of the axle with respect to the journal box. The outer faces of the stop blocks are disposed closely adjacent to the axle journal and approximately level with the axis of rotation of the axle journal.

Referring now to FIGS. 3-8 of the drawings, the details of construction of the journal stop mechanism will be more clearly understood, and as seen in these figures, a support bracket indicated generally by reference numeral 45 is provided, this support bracket including a lower wall portion 46 and an intermediate back wall portion 47, and back wall portions 48 and 49 formed contiguous with back wall portion 47 atopposite end portions of the support bracket. A pair of pockets indicated generally by reference numerals 50 and 51 are provided, pocket 54 being defined by side walls 52 and 53 along with back wall portion 43 and pocket 51 being defined by side wall portions 54 and 55 along with back wall portion 49. Aligned openings 60, 61, 62 and 63 are provided through side walls 52, 53, 54 and 55 respectively.

A first lug 65 extends laterally from the upper part of one end portion of the support bracket, and a similar lug 66 extends laterally in the opposite direction from the upper part of the opposite end portion 'of the support bracket. Lugs 65 and 66 are provided with openings 67 and 68 respectively which are formed completely therethrough, these last-mentioned openings being disposed substantially normally to the first-mentioned openings 60-63.

It will be noted that the central back wall portion 47 of the support bracket has an upper edge 70 which is disposed vertically below the upper edge portions of the adjacent back wall portions 43 and 49 thereby in effect providing a central recessed portion inthe back wall of the support bracket. This recessed portion is provided such that when the support bracket is mounted in operative position as seen in FIGS. 1-3, the adjacent positioning lug 36 is adapted to lie within this recessed portion thereby permitting the support bracket to be disposed closely adjacent to the positioning lug at the central portion of the associated journal box side wall.

It will be noted as seen particularly in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 that the back surface of the back wall of the bracket is disposed flush against the associated side wall of the journal box, the bracket being maintained in position by a weld 71 which extends completely along the lower surface of the support bracket, up along the side surfaces thereof, and thence along the upper edge portions of back wall portions 48 and 49. While the weld has been shown as extending completely along the lower surface of the support bracket, it will be understood that this Weld along the lower surface of the support bracket need not be continuous and in practice may comprise spaced weld portions which may, for example, be three in number. In this manner, each support bracket is firmly fixed in position relative to the journal box. It is evident particularly from an inspection of FIG. 8 that the support bracket of the present invention is symmetrical or in other Words the opposite end portions thereof are of identical construction, this being highly advantageous since all the support'brackets may be of similar construction to facilitate manufacture thereof, the support brackets being equally suitable for mounting on either side wall of a journal box.

It will be noted particularly in FIG. 4 that each pair of side wall portions 52, 53 and 54, 55 have inner surfaces which taper toward one another thereby providing a construction whereby each pocket portion '50 and 51 tapers from the forward open end of the pocket toward the rear closed wall of the pocket. It will also be noted that the adjacent edge portions of each of the Walls of the pocket' is rounded to facilitate manufacture of the support bracket.

The stop blocks of the present invention are of identical construction, these stop blocks being indicated generally by reference numerals 75 and being formed of any suitable material such as bronze, nylon, fabric bonded phenolic resins or the like. These stop blocks are formed as solid blocks of material as is conventional in the art and flat bearing surfaces 76 are provided at the ends thereof for engaging the axle journal during operation.

The blocks 75 eachinclude parallel upper and lower surfaces 77 and 78, and a pair of parallel side walls 80 I bracket.

and 81 are provided thereon extending rearwardly from the forward face 76 thereof. Side wall portions 89 and 81 merge into side wall portions 82 and 83 respectively, surfaces 82 and 83 tapering inwardly toward the rear of the stop blocks, the tapering being complementary to the taper of the side walls of the pockets of the support bracket whereby the tapered side walls of the stop blocks are snugly received within the tapered pockets formed in the support bracket. I

As seen especially in FIGS. 4-7, when the stop blocks are mounted in operative position within the support bracket, the tapered portions of the blocks as well as the support brackets are in abutting relationship with one another thereby effectively preventing any relative movement of the stop blocks along the longitudinal dimension of the bracket, and yet permitting the stop blocks to he slid out of the pockets when desired.

The stop blocks 75 are each provided with openings 85 which extend completely therethrough and open through the tapered surfaces 82 and 83 at opposite sides of the stop blocks. As seen particularly in FIG. 4,'when the stop blocks are disposed in operative position within the support bracket, the openings 85 in the stop blocks are aligned with the openings 6063 formed through the side walls of the pockets of the support bracket.

As seen in FIG. 8, an elongated locking pin is indicated generally by reference numeral 96, and includes a cylindrical shank portion 91 of such a dimension as to slidingly fit within the openings 50-63 formed in the support bracket as well as the openings 85 formed through the stop blocks. The locking pin 94 is provided with a tapered end portion 92 to facilitate insertion of the locking pin through the openings in the support bracket and stop blocks and an enlarged head portion 93 is provided at the opposite end of the pin. Enlarged head portion 93 has an opening 94 formed completely therethrough for a purpose hereinafter described.

Referring again to FIGS. 3-7, the stop block mechanism is shown in assembled position, and such assembly is obtained by first fitting the stop blocks within the pockets in the support bracket and then inserting the locking pin through the aligned openings in the support bracket and stop blocks. It is evident that the locking pin 91 will securely lock the stop blocks Within the support bracket which is in turn fixed to the side Wall of the journal box. The locking pin 99 is then locked in position relative to the support bracket by inserting a locking member indicated generally by reference numeral 95 which may be in the form of a cotter pin through the opening 67 or 68 pro vided in the adjacent lug 65 or 66 of the support bracket as the case may be, and also through the opening 94 provided through the enlarged head of the locking pin.

It is evident that when it is desired to disassemble the journal stop mechanism, the cotter pin 95 is removed, whereupon the locking pin 91 may be slid out of the aligned openings in the stop blocks and the support The stop blocks may then be readily slidably removed from the pockets in the support bracket and replaced as desired. Additionally, as seen in FIG. 1, it will be noted that the cotter pin as well as the enlarged head of the locking pin are readily available through the opening 24 of the journal box when the cover member 25 is lifted thereby enabling the mechanism to be quickly and easily assembled or disassembled through the access opening in the journal box.

It will be noted as seen in FIG. 6 of the drawings that the rear lower edge of the support bracket 1% is rounded, this rounded portion having a relatively small radius such as iii; of an inch in a typical example where the length of the support bracket may be 7 /2 inches and the height thereof is 1% inches. In certain instances, it may be desirable to utilize the mechanism in a journal box having ribs extending longitudinally along the side Walls of the associated journal box. In such a case, it may be necessary to provide additional clearance at the rear lower edge portion of the support bracket, and such a modification is illustrated in FIGS. 9-11.

As seen in FIGS. 9-11, the support bracket 101 is of a similar construction to that previously described, the support bracket including a lower wall portion 102 and a back wall portion 163 along with side wall portions 104, 105, 106, 107 which define tapered pockets for receiving similarly tapered stop blocks 110 and 111, in the same manner as previously described. It should be understood that the modification shown in F168. 9-11 is substantially similar to that shown in FIGS. 48, the stop blocks being of identical construction as well as the pocket structure of the support bracket.

In this first modification, the lower rear edge portion of the support bracket 1491 is arcuately shaped and has a much greater radius of curvature than the lower edge portion of the support bracket previously described. In this instance, the radius of curvature of this lower rear edge may be approximately one half inch while the remaining dimensions of the support bracket are the same as those of the support bracket illustrated in FIGS. 4-8.

A further distinction of the structure shown in FIGS. 911 over that shown in FIGS. 4-8 is the manner in which the locking pin is locked in its operative position wherein it extends through the aligned openings provided in the Walls of the support bracket as well as the stop blocks. In this case, a first pair of lugs 121, 122 is provided at one end of the support bracket, and a second pair of logs 123, 124 are provided at the opposite end of the support bracket. Lugs 121, 122 are provided with aligned openings 125, 126 respectively while lugs 123, 124 are provided with aligned openings 127, 128 respectively.

In this modification, the locking pin 120 is provided with an enlarged head 130 having a smaller dimension lengthwise of the pin member than the head formed on pin 90 in the previous modification. The locking member in this case is indicated generally by reference numeral 131 and may also comprise a cotter pin, the cotter pin being inserted through the aligned openings formed through the pairs of lugs at one end of the support bracket. In this case, the side edges of the cotter pin engage the face 135 of the head 139 of the locking pin, and, of course, the cotter pin prevents the locking pin from coming out of its operative position as shown. It is evident that the journal stop mechanism can be assembled and disassembled in the same manner as previously discussed.

Referring now to FIGS. 12-15, a second modification of the invention is illustrated, this modification also being quite similar to the modification shown in FIGS. 4-8. In this case, the support bracket includes a lower wall 151, and two back wall portions 152, 153 which are spaced from one another to define the rear walls of the pockets of the support structure. Side wall portions 155, 156 cooperate with back wall portion 152 to define a first pocket 157, while side wall portions 160, 161 cooperate with back wall portion 153 to define a second pocket 162.

It will be noted that in this modification, the side walls of the pockets are not tapered as in the previous modifications, but the adjacent edges of the various walls of the pockets are rounded to facilitate manufacture thereof. Stop blocks 165 and 166 are received within the pockets 157 and 162 respectively, the blocks having side surfaces which are substantially parallel with one an other although rounded at the edges thereof which are disposed within the pockets so as to conform to the inner configuration of the pockets.

The side walls of the pockets are provided with a plurality of openings 170 while the stop'blocks are provided with openings 171 which are provided to be aligned with the openings through the walls of the support bracket. A locking pin 175 which may be identical in construction to locking pin 90 is disposed through the aligned openings and cotter pin 176 is disposed through the aligned openings provided in one of the lugs 177 formed at opposite ends of the support bracket and also through aligned opening 178 formed in the enlarged head 180 of the locking pm. It will be evident that the assembly as shown in FIGS. 12-15 can be assembled and disassembled in the same manner as the previously discussed modifications.

It is apparent fromthe foregoing that there is provided a new and novel journal stop mechanism wherein a plurality of separate stop blocks are incorporated in each journal stop mechanism which is mounted at each side of the journal box. The provision of such separate stop V blocks eliminates the necessity of providing additional means such as grooves in the mechanism for providing adequate lubrication of the axle journal and furthermore the relatively small blocks may be separately replaced when they become worn or damaged. The stop blocks of the present invention may be readily removed from the supporting structure when it is desired to replace them, and a novel locking means is provided which serves to effectively lock the stop blocks in operative position and yet which is readily available for unlocking the mechanism when desired.

The support bracket of the present invention provides a very firm and sturdy support for the stop blocks such that they are adapted to Withstand the loads imposed thereon while in operation. The entire journal stop mechanism is of a very simple and inexpensive construction and yet is quite sturdy and reliable in operation.

As this invention may be embodied in several forms without departing from the spirit or essential'characteristics thereof, the present embodiment is therefore illustrative and not restrictive, and since the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims, all changes that fall within-the metes and bounds of the claims or that form their functional as well as conjointly cooperative equivalents are therefore intended to be embraced by those claims. 1

I claim:

1. Journal stop mechanism comprising a support bracket, said support bracket including a pair of spaced pockets, aligned openings formed through the walls of the bracket defining said pockets, a stop block removably fitted within each of said pockets, an opening formed through each of said stop blocks adapted to be aligned with said openings through the walls of the bracket, a-

retaining means for reception through the aligned openings in the walls of the bracket and the stop blocks for retaining the stop blocks in operative position, and locking means for maintaining the retaining means in operative position.

2. Journal stop mechanism comprising a support bracket having a plurality of integral walls, certain of said walls defining a pair of spaced support pockets, certain of said walls having aligned openings formed therethrough, a stop block slidably and snugly fitted within each of said pockets and extending outwardly of said support bracket, each of said stop blocks having an opening formed therethrough in alignment with the openings formed in said walls, an elongated locking pin extending through the aligned openings in the stop blocks and Walls of the bracket for retaining the stop blocks in operative position and locking means for maintaining said locking pin in operative position, such that the stop blocks may be quickly and easily removed from the support bracket by removing the locking pin.

3'. Apparatus asdefined in claim 2, wherein said locking pin has an enlarged head formed at one end'thereof, said support bracket including a lug formed at one end thereof, said lug having an opening formed therethrough and a locking member extending through the opening in said lug and engaging the enlarged head of said locking pin for maintaining the locking pin in operative position.

4. Journal stop mechanism comprising a support bracket adapted to be fixed to a side wall of a journal box, said support bracket including a bottom wall portion and a plurality of upstanding side and back wall portions, said side and back wall portions defining a pair of spaced pockets at the opposite ends of said support bracket, each of said support pockets being defined by a bottom wall portion, a back wall portion and a pair of spaced side Wall portions, said side wall portions having aligned openings formed therethrough, a stop block snugly and slidably disposed within each of said pockets and including a hearing surface normally positioned outwardly of said support bracket, each of said stop blocks having an opening formed therethrough in alignment with the openings formed through the side wall portions of the bracket, an elongated locking pin extending through the aligned openings in said side wall portions and said blocks for retaining the blocks within the pockets and further permitting withdrawal of the pin to permit removal of the blocks from the bracket, said locking pin having an enlarged head formed at one end thereof, said bracket having a lug extending from one end portion thereof and having a hole formed therethrough, and a locking member extending through said last-mentioned hole and engaging the enlarged head of the locking pin for maintaining the locking pin in operative position.

5. Apparatus as defined in claim 4, wherein the central portion of said bracket intermediate said pockets is provided with a cut-away portion to facilitate mounting of the support bracket adjacent to'the surrounding structure of a journal box.

6. Journal stop mechanism comprising a support bracket adapted to be secured to the side wall of a journal box, said support bracket including a bottom wall portion, a pair of back wall portions, and two pairs of side wall portions to define a pair of spaced pockets at the opposite end portions of the bracket, said side wall portions having aligned openings formed therethrough, said support bracket having an integral lug. extending laterally therefrom at each end thereof, each of said lugs having an opening formed therethrough, a stop block snugly and slidabiy received within each of said pockets and including an outer bearing surface extending outwardly of said bracket and adapted to engage a journal portion of an axle, each of said stop blocks having an opening formed therethrough in alignment with the openings formed in said side walls, an elongated locking pin extending through the aligned openings in said side walls and said stop blocks and including an enlarged head portion formed at one end thereof, the central intermediate portion of said bracket between said pockets being recessed at the upper edge thereof to facilitate mounting of the bracket in a journal box having positioning lugs formed therein, a locking member extending through the opening formed through one of said lugs and engaging the enlarged head portion of said locking pin for retaining the locking pin in operative position.

7. Apparatus as defined in claim 6, wherein the enlarged head of said pin is also provided with an opening formed therethrough adapted to be aligned with the opening formed through one of said lugs, and wherein said locking member also extends through the opening formed through said enlarged head.

8. Apparatus as defined in claim 6, wherein said'support bracket also includes a second lug formed at each end of the bracket, said second lug at each end of the bracket having an opening formed therethrough aligned with the opening formed in the other lug at the associated end of the bracket, said locking member extending through the openings formed in both lugs at one end of the bracket and engaging the outer surface of the enlarged head on the locking pin for maintaining the locking pin in operative position.

9. Apparatus as defined in claim 6, wherein the side 9 Walls of each stop block are tapered inwardly at the one side thereof which is received within one of the pockets, the side walls of the associated pockets being correspondingly tapered to receive the stop blocks.

10. Apparatus as defined in claim 6, wherein the lower 5 rear edge of said bracket is rounded to provide clearance for mounting the bracket within a journal box having ribs formed along the side walls thereof.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS FOREIGN PATENTS Canada Aug. 23, 1960 

